‘Duck Dynasty’ is Bigger Than ‘American Idol’ Now

We've gotten heavily invested in A&E's ongoing original series, with a second season of 'Bates Motel' already ordered, 'Longmire' season 2 soon to start and eventually Chloe Sevigny's 'Those Who Kill,' but it's the cable network's reality series 'Duck Dynasty' that really brings home the...well, duck. The ratings for the reality series third season finale drew A&E's highest ratings ever, nearly beating out 'American Idol,' while remaining cable's number 1 series behind 'The Walking Dead.' Read all about 'Duck Dynasty's' massive success inside!

Though it might have seemed that nothing could topple the ratings juggernauts of 'American Idol' and 'Survivor,' A&E's 'Duck Dynasty' has come increasingly close with its third season finale this past Wednesday night. The finale drew and impressive 9.6 million viewers in its Wednesday airing, shattering A&E records, including 5.6 million viewers among adults 25-54, 5.5 million viewers among adults 18-49 and 2.6 million viewers among adults 18-34.

The only network series that managed to outperform the Louisiana-based Robertson family series were that of 'American Idol' and 'Survivor,' though 'Duck Dynasty' earned a 4.3 rating among adults 18-49, 34% higher than 'Idol's 3.2. To date, 'Duck Dynasty' ranks as cable's number one non-fiction series, second overall to 'The Walking Dead.'

Translation? Y'all really seem to like ducks. Carry on.

'Duck Dynasty' will return for its fourth season later this year, but what say you? Will A&E's most popular series continue to break new ground in the future?